Windows 7: freezing with black screen before the "welcome" screen

Hello! I have a problem that started a few weeks ago and seems to be getting worse. In about 30% of the startups the computer becomes frozen, with a black screen, without a cursor or anything. This happens just before the blue "welcome" screen should appear.
After reboot, the computer starts up fine, or freezes again. Sometimes I have to try 3 times before I get it working.
I have tried updating windows, updating several drivers, but I'm at a loss. I have called Packard Bell and they gave me the standard "restore factory settings"(which is essentially format C:/) solution, but I would like to try something else before I do that.
Please let me know what information you need about this system.



Thank you for your time

I suggest starting all troubleshooting with the following diagnostic tests. They'll save you a lot of time and heartache if there is a hardware failure, and you'll have the disks on hand in case you need them in the future:
Beyond that the black screen issue is very complicated - and you'll find many, many different solutions for it with a Google search. That being said, you can try as many of them as you like - but I find that System Restore (NOT a system format) is the most reliable way to fix this. If System Restore doesn't work (or there aren't any restore points available) then I'd go with Packard Bell's recommendation.

Thank you! I will try that if problems continue. In the mean time I have updated every driver I could find. Today it has been good to me, keeping my fingers crossed...

I have this problem too. Exactly when the blue welcome screen should appear the monitor just turns blank. But the loading of windows still continues because I can hear the welcome sound play just after a few seconds. My first thought was that the graphic card was broken but the issue still remain with another card. I have tried everything from removing all cables, inclusive the power, and waited for 10 or more minutes with better results but not 100% working startup. If its a software issue then its a major screw-up from Microsoft or some third party reseller/developer.

Most black screen errors are (IME) caused by either malware or by outdated drivers conflicting with changes in the OS (through Windows Updates).

If you'd like assistance with your issues gube - please start your own post so that your issues can get the individual attention that they deserve.